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Congress Poised to Keep Government Running: Shutdown A Distant Option

A Continuing Resolution (CR) is expected to keep the government funded through December.

In less than two weeks, fiscal year 2016 comes to a close. With lawmakers anxious to leave the Capitol for campaigning, a funding deal could be reached as early as this week. The Senate has taken some steps forward and scheduled a procedural vote on a Continuing Resolution (CR) – a temporary funding measure – for Monday evening.

Several roadblocks are standing in Congress’ way. First, some Members would like to include emergency funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to prevent the spread of the Zika virus. Earlier attempts to provide Zika funding through the appropriations process were unsuccessful and lawmakers in affected states see this as a last opportunity. Additionally, other Senators are pressing for emergency aid for Louisiana and other states that have been hit by recent flooding.

Negotiations have been underway since Congress returned from August recess and continued over the weekend, but, as of press time, no deal had been struck. The Senate’s deal is expected to last into December.